At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate top creative talent and ensure seamless project execution.
- Company: Join ICHI, a vibrant studio part of Keywords Studios.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and team social events.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the bridge between talent and creativity, making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in talent management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At ICHI, our work is only as strong as the people behind it. We are looking for a proactive, high‑energy External Resourcing Manager to be the definitive bridge between our studio and the world’s best creative and production talent. Working from either our London or Brighton offices, this is not just a "booking" role. As the External Resourcing Manager, you are the face of ICHI to the external market.
You’ll be responsible for curating an elite bench of freelancers, contractors, and partners, ensuring we have the right skills available the moment a project kicks off. You’ll blend sharp intuition with operational rigour to ensure every external hire is a "best‑in‑class" fit for our culture and our clients. You will have significant reach across the agency, working directly with senior leadership to shape how we work. We value those who take ownership and bring a "people‑first" energy to everything they do. At ICHI (part of Keywords Studios), we know a diverse workforce only elevates the great work we do. As such, we are an equal opportunities employer and we take diversity and inclusion seriously.
Impact You’ll Make
- Talent Scouting & Curation: Proactively identify, connect with, and qualify top‑tier creative and production freelancers. You don’t just wait for a need; you build the pipeline in advance.
- The "Human Database": Maintain an encyclopaedic knowledge of our external network: skills, software proficiency, tech setups, day rates, and real‑time availability.
- Strategic Matchmaking: Work closely with Producers and Creatives to proactively suggest the best talent matches based on specific project DNA, not just availability.
- Negotiation & Contracting: Lead the charge on fee/rate and contract negotiations. You’ll ensure all engagements are commercially viable and compliant.
- Partnership Oversight: Beyond individuals, you will qualify external partners and suppliers, discerning when they add value versus pose a competitive risk.
- Process Evolution: Collaborate with Senior Leadership and Operations to refine our onboarding tools, freelance workflows, and talent management systems.
- Bridging the gap: Work with Operations to build a seamless workflow between the UK and North American teams, strategically sharing resources before going fully external.
- Collaboration: Work in lockstep with the Resourcing Manager to provide seamless coverage of capacity and pipeline of the creative department, stepping in to support internal scheduling during high‑volume periods and holiday gaps.
What You Will Bring to ICHI
- Deep Industry Knowledge: You know the difference between a good portfolio and a great one. You understand the nuances of creative roles and the tech/tools they use.
- Compliance Savvy: You have a solid grasp of IR35 and employment legislation to ensure our freelance engagements are always above board.
- The "Proactive" Mindset: You go above and beyond "filling a seat." You anticipate production bottlenecks before they happen.
- Exceptional Communication: You are friendly, passionate, and persuasive. You can represent ICHI’s values to high‑level talent and negotiate firmly but fairly.
- Business Intuition: You understand the big picture, identifying partners who align with our goals while protecting ICHI’s USP and competitive edge.
Technical & Professional Requirements
- Proven experience in a talent management, traffic management, resource management, or high‑volume creative recruitment role within a medium‑large sized agency.
- Confidence in working with production teams to draft and execute contracts.
- Ability to manage complex data (availability, rates, skills) with precision.
- Experience with resource management software or CRM tools.
Benefits
- Flexible Working – hybrid home and office working, Working Abroad Policy, and Summer Hours
- Company Pension Scheme
- BUPA Private Healthcare
- Income Protection Cover
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Team Social Events
- Employee Schemes – Tech Scheme, Electric Car Scheme, Cycle Scheme
- Training
Role Information:
- EN Studio: ICHI
- Location: Europe, United Kingdom, London
- Area of Work: Marketing
- Service: Engage
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full Time, Hybrid
External Resourcing Manager - ICHI employer: Keywords Studios
At Keywords, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that thrives on creativity and collaboration within the gaming industry. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages innovation. With our UK-based studios at the forefront of game development, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering excellence while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Resourcing Manager - ICHI
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Keywords Studios!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Keywords Studios.
We think you need these skills to ace External Resourcing Manager - ICHI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Keywords Studios. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Keywords Studios and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Keywords Studios. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Keywords Studios's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keywords Studios
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Keywords Studios.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Keywords Studios will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Keywords Studios and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
